FROM THE PRESIDENT

Just about every week, I hear from Eastern alumni who have built rewarding careers around their distinct passions. I’m continually impressed and undeniably proud to hear their stories.

Longtime readers of Eastern Magazine have enjoyed countless articles about distinguished graduates who are fulfilling their dreams. This issue is no different, and we’re excited to share engaging reading with you about some inspiring alumni.

Among them is Bruce Lynn, who followed his love for history to the depths of Lake Superior. Bruce and his team at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum have uncovered some fascinating and important facts related to our region’s maritime history.

Julie Eadeh discovered her passion for foreign service as an Eastern undergraduate. She’s since developed that interest into a rewarding career that’s taken her across the globe. Today, Julie’s in Turkey, where she leverages her strategic communications skills for the U.S. State Department.

For years, we’ve known that Eastern’s Athletic Department has developed a stream of student assistants into sports communications professionals. This issue profiles three such alumni who are enjoying exciting careers with some prominent collegiate programs and professional sports teams.

You’ll also read about Brian Egen, a talented historian who leads the video production department at The Henry Ford, Michigan’s most prominent history museum. His scholarly interest in the Civil War helped memorialize Eastern students who bravely fought and died during the conflict.

We’re continually discussing ways to bring the next generation of students to Eastern to allow their latent talents to unfurl, just like the aforementioned alumni. In this issue’s Q&A feature with Vice President for Enrollment Management Katie Condon, you’ll learn about our new initiatives to bring bright, motivated and endlessly curious students to campus.

Other magazine items include Alumni Award Winners, E-Club Hall of Fame honorees, and memorials to three prominent members of the Eastern family who recently passed.

Where will the next generation Eastern graduates take their talents? I can’t wait to find out.

Happy reading!

James Smith, Ph.D.

President, Eastern Michigan University